I purchased my first B bag in 2002 , a fbf in Barneys NYC. I did not know the brand at the time, but fell in love at first sight. Over the years I have dabbled in other bags but either returned or sold almost all of them. My collection now consists of 2 LV speedy's, 1 Chloe paddington, and 8 balenciaga's. IMO there is no other bag that compares to balenciaga. I have been in other forums only to be bored very easily as the bags start looking pretty much the same after awhile. Not with Balenciaga! I never get tired of looking at all the colors, styles, leathers and hardware combos. Each bag is as individual as the person who owns them, and that is the beauty of these bags...they are not cookie cutter bags! And another thing too, most people do not know what a balenciaga bag is, and I like it that way.And I love this forum, there is a different vibe here that I don't find in the other forums. A vibe as unique as the bags!